I may have mentioned once or twice on this blog how much I love chocolate. So it should come as no surprise that I have chocolate on my mind as we dive into February (like that’s different from every other month—humor me). Setting that aside for the moment, though, let’s see what’s happening on the Trails of History. Winter is a slower time at many of our sites, so please be sure to check ahead before visiting. Most sites will be closed on Feb. 20 for Presidents Day, but Fort Pitt, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, and the Railroad Museum of PA will be open for chocolate business.

Bushy Run BattlefieldFeb. 18: Annual Winter Lecture—Jack Giblin, of the US Army Heritage and Education Center, will discuss the history of the battlefield and surrounding area during the two centuries after the Battle of Bushy Run in 1763. Free to Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society members, $5 for non-members.

Daniel Boone HomesteadFeb. 5: Fireside Tales—this popular program is geared to young children (ages 4-8) and their families; today’s program features stories of 18th-century Pennsylvania German and English life in the Oley Valley. Suggested donation of $2 per child; the fireplace in the Wayside Lodge helps warm things up, but dress for the weather and bring a blanket if it’s really cold. (Facebook photos of a previous Fireside Tales program are here.)Feb. 12: Black History Program—the Homestead will offer a special presentation in honor of Black History Month; check the website for details.

Ephrata CloisterThrough March 29: Winter History Class—held Thursday mornings (started yesterday), this annual enrichment program explores topics related to the site history through lectures and a field trip. Call 717/733-6600 for more information.

Graeme Park
Feb. 12: Colonial Valentine - candlelit tours of the Keith House explore the loves and losses of Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson. Cost is $12 per person, includes refreshments. Call 215/343-0965 for details.

Landis Valley Village & Farm MuseumFeb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Homeschool Winter Classes—geared for ages 6-17 (some are for age 10-17), these Wednesday morning classes engage students with hands-on activities. Cost is $20 per class or $100 for all six (last class is March 7); 717/569-0401 x228 or c-sbrown@pa.gov for details or to register. Feb. 4, 11, 18: Folk Art and Friends Craft Classes at the Weathervane Museum Store—these Saturday afternoon classes (which continue in March) explore a variety of traditional crafts. Click here for specifics. Feb. 11: Victorian Valentine Dinner—start with champagne and chocolates in the Weathervane Museum Store, then take a horse-drawn carriage to the Landis Valley Hotel for a four-course meal accompanied by a strolling violinist. Cost is $140 per couple; call 717/581-0591 for reservations (you can check out the menu here). Feb. 17-19: Winter Institute—sign up for half-day, one-day, two-day, or three-day traditional craft classes. For details and registration info, go here. Feb. 25: Heirloom Seed Project workshops—a selection of two-hour sessions including home gardening, raising backyard chickens, fruit trees, and propagation. Call 717/569-0401 x204 for details or to register (which is required).

Old Economy Village
Feb. 14: Special Valentine Dinner—enjoy champagne and a candlelit dinner served in the historic Granary; call 724/266-4500 x101 for reservations ($100 per couple).

Pennsylvania Military MuseumFeb. 1: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran—Clyde Hoch, Sergeant, US Marine Corps, recounts his experiences from enlistment to his service as a tank commander in Vietnam to his return home; part of the Friends of PMM Speakers Series. Feb. 25: Go Tell the Spartans—1978 HBO production (rated R for strong language) starring Burt Lancaster as a career Army officer serving as an advisor within the Military Assistance Command in Vietnam; based on the 1967 novel Incident at Muc Wa by Daniel Ford. Donation requested; part of the Cabin Fever Film Series.

Somerset Historical CenterFeb. 9: Maple Sugar School—participants will learn the basics of maple sugaring from sap to syrup to sugar during this informative program. Cost is $20; contact the site at 814/445-6077 to register. Those interested in pursuing the business of maple production will have the opportunity to continue learning as the spring progresses. (Find more info here.)

State Museum of PennsylvaniaFeb. 12: “Art is an entrée, not a dessert”—opening reception for a juried group exhibition presented by the Susquehanna Art Museum in the DOSHI Gallery at the State Museum; exhibit runs through July 15. Feb. 18: National Geographic Giant Map of North America—visitors will be able to walk from the Aleutians to the Florida Keys in mere minutes (seconds?) on this 26’ by 35’ map. Presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania Alliance for Geographic Education, the exhibit (through March 15) will also feature large-scale repros of historic Pennsylvania maps from the State Archives. There will be a free preview on Friday evening, Feb. 17, as part of this month’s 3rd in the Burg.